Structural Department Manager

Structural Department Manager Location: Colorado A well-established multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm is seeking an experienced Structural Department Manager to lead its structural engineering practice. This leadership position offers the opportunity to oversee department operations, drive strategic growth, mentor engineering talent, and serve as a key technical resource on a diverse portfolio of projects. The successful candidate will combine strong structural engineering expertise with business acumen, team leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client service. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys building teams, developing client relationships, and shaping the future direction of a growing engineering organization. Position Overview As a senior leader within the organization, you will be responsible for the technical quality, financial performance, and long-term growth of the structural engineering department. You will provide leadership to project managers, engineers, and designers while maintaining involvement in project execution and client development activities. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence strategy, mentor future leaders, and help grow an established engineering practice with a strong reputation for technical excellence and client-focused solutions. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Department Management Lead, mentor, and develop project managers, engineers, and technical staff.Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.Establish departmental goals aligned with company-wide strategic objectives.Champion professional development and continuing education initiatives.Support succession planning and leadership development within the team. Technical Leadership Serve as Structural Engineer of Record (SEOR) on a variety of projects.Provide quality control reviews and technical oversight for engineering deliverables.Review calculations, specifications, drawings, and engineering reports.Perform constructability reviews and identify opportunities for design improvement.Ensure projects consistently meet established quality, budget, and schedule expectations. Financial & Operational Management Manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation.Drive project profitability and overall department financial performance.Monitor utilization, billing, accounts receivable, and project margins.Make strategic decisions regarding project pursuits and resource assignments.Develop processes that support operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Client Development & Business Growth Build and maintain long-term client relationships.Identify opportunities for repeat business and strategic growth.Assist with proposal preparation, fee development, and contract negotiations.Participate in business development and marketing initiatives.Act as a trusted advisor to clients throughout project delivery. Construction & Project Support Oversee construction administration efforts in coordination with project managers.Support project teams in resolving technical and field-related issues.Participate in client, consultant, and contractor coordination meetings as needed. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required.Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred.14+ years of structural engineering experience.Minimum 5 years of project management and leadership experience.Demonstrated success managing complex building projects from design through construction.Strong client management and business development skills.Experience leading technical teams and mentoring engineers at multiple career levels. Preferred Technical Experience Structural steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, wood, and cold-formed steel design.Existing building renovations, additions, and adaptive reuse projects.New construction across commercial, institutional, public, aviation, industrial, and mixed-use sectors.Experience working within active airport or transportation environments is highly desirable.Familiarity with industry-standard structural analysis and design software. Leadership Profile The ideal candidate will possess: Strategic thinking and sound business judgment.Strong financial management capabilities.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.Proven ability to lead high-performing teams.A commitment to mentoring and developing future engineering leaders.A proactive, accountable, and solutions-oriented leadership style. Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary ranging from $130,000 - $170,000+, dependent upon experience, licensure, leadership responsibilities, and overall project impact.Performance-based bonus opportunities.Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.401(k) retirement program.Generous paid time off package.Hybrid work flexibility.Significant opportunity for career advancement and influence within a growing organization. Why Consider This Opportunity? Lead an established structural engineering department with strong growth potential.Influence strategic business decisions and department direction.Manage a diverse portfolio of technically challenging projects.Mentor and develop the next generation of engineering leaders.Join a collaborative organization that values technical excellence, innovation, accountability, and teamwork.Clear pathway toward senior leadership and expanded organizational responsibility.